Ireland is set to participate in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program for the first time, working with other member states to procure advanced body armor. The move aims to reduce costs, speed up delivery, and enhance protection for Irish Defense Forces personnel.
The $18 million (€16.5 million) contract will cover approximately 6,000 Integrated Modular Body Armor Systems (IMBAS), designed by the Defense Forces Ordnance Corps. The new armor will replace aging ceramic systems currently in use, offering improved ballistic and fragmentation protection. It incorporates the latest developments in materials, protection standards, and ergonomic design to ensure comfort and effectiveness during extended operations.
An EU-based body armor manufacturer will be selected to produce the armor, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of the year. SAFE allows EU countries to jointly purchase military equipment under relaxed procurement rules and is a central element of the European Commission’s ReArm Europe Plan, which seeks to strengthen the bloc’s defense capabilities.
This body armor project marks Ireland’s initial use of the SAFE framework, with future applications expected for larger acquisitions such as sonar equipment, artillery, armored vehicles, ammunition, and drones. The initiative is part of a broader plan to expand the size and capabilities of the Defense Forces by 2030.
